* From Republican Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison….
The Danger of Vitriolic Language in Politics:
A Call for Civility and Respect
In recent years, we have witnessed a distressing escalation in the use of vitriolic language in our political discourse. It has become all too common to see political opponents referred to in dehumanizing terms, their characters slandered with reckless abandon. This trend is not just divisive; it is profoundly dangerous.
Words have power. When we call our opponents by demeaning names or spread falsehoods about their intentions and integrity, we erode the foundations of civil discourse. We replace meaningful debate with personal attacks, and in doing so, we undermine the very essence of democracy.
The consequences of such behavior are far-reaching and severe. Beyond the immediate harm to individuals and their reputations, there is a broader societal impact. Vitriolic language creates an atmosphere of hostility and mistrust. It polarizes communities, driving wedges between neighbors and friends who may hold differing political views.
Most troubling of all, this toxic rhetoric can incite violence. History has shown us time and again that words can inspire actions, particularly among those who may already be prone to instability or extremism. When political discourse descends into a battleground of insults and character assassinations, it sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that such behavior is acceptable, even encouraged.
As a community and as a nation, we must unequivocally reject this path. We cannot afford to normalize or condone the use of vitriolic language in our political discourse. Instead, we must demand a return to civility, respect, and empathy in our interactions with one another.
Leadership starts with each of us. Whether we hold public office or participate as engaged citizens, we have a responsibility to model the behavior we wish to see. We can passionately advocate for our beliefs without resorting to personal attacks. We can engage in debates based on facts and principles, not on the vilification of our opponents.
It is time to restore dignity to our political conversations. Let us commit ourselves to fostering an environment where differences of opinion are respected, where dialogue is constructive, and where our shared values of decency and fairness prevail.
I call upon all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, to join me in condemning the use of vitriolic language in politics. Let us work together to build a future where our discourse reflects the best of who we are as a community and as a nation.
The stakes are too high to ignore. The time for change is now.
Agreed.
* However, I would’ve found this op-ed far more believable if Commissioner Morrison had included himself in that admonition…
* A search of Morrison’s account using the word “hate” brought up tons of hits, including these…
* And…
- P. - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 7:59 am:
Funny how many times I’ve seen some wildly inappropriate comment on social media and it’s this guy’s - Morrison - avatar above it. Bro is super petty and obnoxious on Twitter.
- ChicagoVinny - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:01 am:
“We’re all trying to find who did this”
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:30 am:
So, a hypocritical Republican???
Well, I’ll be.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:37 am:
The problem is many people just don’t listen to what they say. I bet if you took his quotes and said a Democrat just said this he would condemn it yet when he says it it is ok
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:37 am:
One of the worst inventions in the history of mankind has been social media platforms.
- DuPage Dad - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:39 am:
I truly don’t think he would find any of those posts to be incongruent with his statement. Which is the scary thing.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:48 am:
“if Commissioner Morrison had included himself”
Why would he? We’ve been playing this ‘be civil’ game for awhile. And people keep falling for it. Even he knows it’s just nonsense, by the examples of his own words given.
Those who see themselves at the top of the pecking order, in reality or just in their imagination, will always try to control the language of those who they see as below them.
‘be civil’ is just another directive of control he sees as making his life and control of others easier.
The past few generations have grown up with adults telling them “violent video games cause violence”. And know that’s no more true than “cannabis is a gateway drug”.
He even gives away the game and mentions the actual reason;
“particularly among those who may already be prone to instability or extremism”. It’s why he isn’t calling for any mental health care.
It’s not the words causing violence. It’s the already existing motivations and mindset of the person who commits the violence. No different than how video games don’t cause violence, already violent people do.
Many of us have been brought up to believe words are some magic incantation - because it gives an easy path to remove the responsibility from the person taking the actions.
I reject that default mindset of codependence.
The violence exists before the words.
Can violent words precede violent actions? Sure. But they aren’t the cause. You could easily convince someone who already wants to be violent, to be violent, without using any violent words at all.
Historically, and in almost every case, violence enters politics shortly after religion does(The Troubles). Frankly, that makes far more sense. Religion has trained people to be subservient and obedient(to others or something imaginary). If we are serious about stopping violence, then lets start talking about that. But we won’t because that shines too bright a light on the world we have collectively created.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:50 am:
The DNC Convention in Chicago is an excellent time to showcase how a convention, without vitriol, can be conducted.
And like the Olympics, Super Bowl and NCAA tourneys, the event is a great way to showcase the Democrat-led city of Chicago to a national viewing audience.
- low level - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 8:55 am:
Beverly Republicans are something else…
- Shibboleth - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 9:19 am:
I’ve definitely had an intense sense of “unity for we but not for thee” from social media the last few days. The joy of seeing family condemn dehumanizing rhetoric on Saturday and Sunday, then the rapid swing back to “trans people are a danger to our children” on a dime, has been an especially painful cherry on top.
- Gravitas - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 9:38 am:
If you want to see vitriolic rhetoric, visit Milwaukee and look at the Democratic sponsored billboards and advertising trucks.
- ElTacoBandito - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 9:39 am:
===Beverly Republicans are something else…==
Love the distrust and hatred of government from a neighborhood where half of them work for said government.
- Socially DIstant watcher - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 9:49 am:
For some people, “bury the hatchet” means “unite around my candidate.” They are eager to claim the win so they can rewrite history and depict themselves above the fray.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 9:51 am:
Generally the GOPie whacks lack mirrors when they issue their pious calls for love, unity and moderation. But it is o.k. And the hilite of this a.m. convention coverage was the report Rep. Miller was a track star at Naperville Hi before becoming a whack.
- Homebody - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:04 am:
I tire of anyone in the media giving any credence to pearl clutching by Republican politicians.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:05 am:
The GOP has turned the temperature up to boiling, and now complains that it is hot.
- CBS - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:08 am:
== Love the distrust and hatred of government from a neighborhood where half of them work for said government. ==
The tavern keeper who put up that sign ran for alderman and got crushed.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:16 am:
Self awareness and sound judgement aren’t Morrison’s strongest attributes.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/6/18/18367224/county-pol-defends-vouching-for-employee-charged-in-child-sex-case
- Tequila Mockingbird - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:18 am:
Antisocial media was actually mislabeled social media.
Guilty are on both sides of the fence.
- Big Dipper - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:23 am:
==where half of them work for said government.==
And belong to unions.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:27 am:
Sometimes vitriol can be a mask for internal party dissension. If there is disagreement within a party, the loudest wing (even if screaming at the other party) gains influence in their own party by denigrating the other. And that is tough to control.
- low level - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:29 am:
==Love the distrust and hatred of government from a neighborhood where half of them work for said government.==
==And belong to unions.==
Precisely. Their hypocrisy is astounding.
- Tom Gasman - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:31 am:
The Huffington Post has not received the message.
- low level - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:34 am:
==The Huffington Post has not received the message==
Do you have any examples?
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:39 am:
==The Huffington Post has not received the message.==
Sigh. The “whataboutism” police have arrived.
- low level - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 10:43 am:
==The tavern keeper who put up that sign ran for alderman and got crushed.==
We were referring to Beverly Republicans specifically, not the neighborhood as a whole.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:02 am:
In my many decades of politic-watching, it seems as the vitriol tends to ebb and flow. Ranting candidates (on both sides of the aisles, and even in the primaries) will win, but they’ll sometimes lose.
I can specifically recall candidates that lost because they went “low”. Admittedly, these were more often at the local or regional level.
But I can think of national candidates, on both sides of the aisle, that were successful and spoke “above the fray”.
I really think the idea of vitriol in campaigns is but a pendulum that will swing back and forth.
The contrast of political positions on issues (immigration, crime, abortion, education, foreign affairs) has likely never been more stark. Hence, the election results will hopefully offer more clarity on the direction of those topics.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:12 am:
It’s all lip service. Trump already started back up with division again, demonizing and lying about Democrats in social media. MAGA (no more GOP) is doing this fake unity bit for appearances only and to try to shame and silence Democrats. No one should fall for it. It’s not vitriolic to call Trump what he really is, a true threat to democracy. This should be done by the Fourth Estate, but to national corporate political news media, apparently, calling people fascists is more offensive than fascism itself.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:15 am:
When I use that sort of language, it is speaking truth to power and being authentic; when you use that language, it is vitriolic, hateful, and inappropriate.
Got it
- James - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:31 am:
I am not convinced that “rhetoric” has anything to do with violence. Even if it does, who gets the draw the lines around what is acceptable free speech and what isn’t? I didn’t find Biden’s remarks about “bullseye” on Trump to be out of bounds. Obviously Biden didn’t want someone to shoot at Trump. It’s a figure of speech. So much silliness.
- Paddyrollingstone - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:38 am:
==Love the distrust and hatred of government from a neighborhood where half of them work for said government.==
==And belong to unions.==
==Precisely. Their hypocrisy is astounding.==
As long as I live, I will never understand this
- Big Dipper - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 11:42 am:
When they were demagoguing about immigrants committing crimes at the RNC and it gave Willie Horton vibes.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:03 pm:
=One of the worst inventions in the history of mankind has been social media platforms.=
Yes
=If you want to see vitriolic rhetoric, visit Milwaukee and look at the Democratic sponsored billboards and advertising trucks.=
Your thoughts on Morrison? I’ll wait…
- Mr. Middleground - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:26 pm:
Rich misses the point—more whataboutism instead of just saying we need more of these statements.
- Garfield Ridge Guy - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:27 pm:
==We replace meaningful debate with personal attacks, and in doing so, we undermine the very essence of democracy.==
This is incoherent. There can be no democracy without the legal right to engage in personal attacks, if the voting populace decides it wants to elect people who do so (hint: it does).
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:47 pm:
=Rich misses the point=
Lol. It’s a compare and contrast. Words that done equal deeds. I think you’re the one missing the point.
- Long Time Independent - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:52 pm:
This might be one of the most hilarious posts I’ve ever read on Capital Fax. Morrison ran 3 of the dirtiest lying campaigns ever in Cook County. Twice against Dan Patlak and the last one against Elizabeth Doody Gorman. His commercials and Mailers all filled with hate and lies. One of his mailers he put Gormans husband in a line up as if he was a convicted felon. The stuff he accused Patlak of was even worse. However even better was what Morrison posted last night. After Congressman Matt Gaetz had words with former speaker McCarthey on the floor Richard Porter got involved and called Gaetz a AH$$$. Morrison didn’t try to defuse it instead he responded in Porters behalf saying he’s the next Republican Governor of Illinois.
So please Mr Morrison save your hypocrisy and just admit you’re in over your head.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 12:55 pm:
===more whataboutism===
Do you even understand that word or are you just spewing stuff you heard others say in a failed effort to make yourself sound smart?
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 1:02 pm:
“When I use that sort of language, it is speaking truth to power and being authentic; when you use that language, it is vitriolic, hateful, and inappropriate.”
One of the candidates tried to overthrow the government, still calls his election loss a fraud, is a 34 count felon, sexual abuser, fraud—all the things that are supposed to be the antithesis of Republican values (Reagan is weeping streams). Therein lies the problem, false equivalence and treating both parties the same when clearly they are not. Republicans have become that which they accuse their opponents.
- Rudy’s teeth - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 1:52 pm:
Some folks have entirely too much time on their hands…hence the vitriol on social media. BITD, the nuns would crack your knuckles with an 18” ruler for creating such content.
- New Day - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:12 pm:
Republican hypocrisy???? Say it ain’t so.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:13 pm:
“the nuns would crack your knuckles with an 18” ruler for creating such content.”
The irony here, is hilarious.
“I’m going to physically assault you for merely suggesting different ideas verbally.”
But thank you very much for proving my point about violence and religion made earlier.
See also, Galatians 5.
- Rudy’s teeth - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:27 pm:
What would we do without the ability to create snark and hyperbole? By the way, that is a rhetorical question.
- James the Intolerant - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:44 pm:
On another note, at today’s Metra Board meeting the Board reversed course, thanked staff for their hard work, and decided to go fprward with tge Wickes renovation. Nothing to see here.
- Frida's boss - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:45 pm:
Politicians use this language, podcasters use these words, pundits use this language, media uses these phrases, on and on and on.
Until voters decide they’ve had enough and don’t elect people who use these phrases or watch shows that push divisiveness or read the articles that have the language or follow the social media etc etc it will continue.
In a large group or an interview the public will say it’s bad but in private they’ll watch it and love it, they’ll comment online about Hitler and Marx, they’ll watch the shows that follow their beliefs and destroy those they don’t agree with.
You ever see a candidate who went 100% positive win a swing district with no negative ads, including outside sources?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 2:48 pm:
===You ever see a candidate who went 100% positive win a swing district with no negative ads===
That’s not the point here. Don’t lecture people about a problem if you’ve obviously got that very same problem, or change your own behavior, or at least acknowledge it is the point.
- Long Time Independent - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 3:25 pm:
Not to beat a dead horse but every first Tuesday of the month both Morrison and the Republican Committeeman of Orland Park hold a joint meeting of their townships. The main speaker almost every month is the Mayor of Orland Park the far right wing extremist Keith Pekau. All they do for 60-90 minutes is rant on about the evils of the Democratic Party. Never about resolving issues or working together only about how evil the Democrats are. If you think Trump is filled with hate and anger Pekau is 10x worse and he’s Morrisons hand picked Mayor and he put the Committeewoman up against Gorman because they thought she was to moderate and close with the Democrats.
This oped is a complete joke and is filled with nothing but hypocrisy.
- Sue - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 4:38 pm:
Might also help for the President to stop proposing things contrary to the constitution -federal judges hold their office as long as theiy are in good behavior- means life time absent impeachment or resignation - don’t believe me- read article 3
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 4:54 pm:
=Might also help =
But, but, but . . . you’re part of the problem Sue. You and people like you just can’t help yourselves.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 4:56 pm:
- Might also help for the President to stop proposing things contrary to the constitution -
Yeah, the blood curdling violent rhetoric of judicial term limits really chills me to the bone.
- Big Dipper - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 5:21 pm:
Now there was the whataboutism.
- Sue - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 5:30 pm:
Demoralized- how is pointing out the verbatim language of the constitution being part of the problem - you and yours may not like the current composition of our S Ct
but federal judges serve for life absent impeachment or retirement - it would be nice if our president who often complains of the lawlessness of R’s stayed within the law himself with his most recent outreaches to progressives
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 5:59 pm:
- stayed within the law himself -
Are you familiar with amendments? Or are the drafters of the bill of rights the biggest criminals in history?
- Proud Sucker - Wednesday, Jul 17, 24 @ 6:56 pm:
Talking about potential Constitutional amendments is not within the law?
Huh, you learn something every day.
- low level - Thursday, Jul 18, 24 @ 9:46 am:
Proposing amendments to the Constitution to fix a problem is the same as violent rhetoric. Thank you for that ridiculous assertion.